October

Download as pdf or txt
Download as pdf or txt
You are on page 1of 7

The Monthly Messenger

Thinking Like A Steward—A Narrative October 2019


Budget by Pastor Sheri
Worship With Us
A narrative tells a story. The Bible is a narrative Sunday Schedule
9:00 am
that tells us the story of how God desires to be in
Praise and Thanksgiving Commun-
relationship with people and how people are to be ion
in relationship with each other. Sometimes the
narrative tells us what happens when we fail, and Oct. 6
Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 37:1-9,
God urges us forward by forgiving, reconciling, and
Luke 17:5-10
giving us another chance to be God’s people in the A little faith goes a long way is our
world. Sometimes the narrative tells us what hap- Lord’s point in the gospel. The patience,
pens when we succeed, and God blesses and com- tenacity, and endurance required for
mends us for our faithful living. A typical line item the life of faith are the blessings re-
ceived in holy baptism, holy commun-
budget tells us the numerical status of our financ- ion, the word read and proclaimed in
es. A NARRATIVE BUDGET tells the stories behind this assembly. Receive them with
each line item. It tells our story of ministry and thanksgiving.
how we contribute to God’s movement inside and Oct. 13
outside of the congregation. 2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c, Psalm 111, Luke
17:11-19
Being a Steward does not end at the offering plate It’s a miracle! We have been healed by
on Sunday morning. The money given on Sunday baptism and made clean by Jesus’s
body and blood in holy communion. We
(and all throughout the week) is transforming lives have died with Christ and been raised
both inside and outside the congregation’s walls. with him. We offer thanks and are sent
A NARRATIVE BUDGET tells these stories. A narra- to share the good news,
tive budget working together with a traditional line Oct. 20 Healing Service
-item budget shows the members of Saron how Genesis 32:22-31, Psalm 121, Luke 18:1
their giving contributes to the amazing things God -8
has done in and through the congregation. We Pray always. Do not lose heart. This is
know you will be inspired, encouraged, challenged the encouragement of the Christ of the
gospel today.
by how God has used, and is using our time, ta-
lents and gifts in a world that cries out of God’s Oct. 27
presence and grace. Jeremiah 31:31-34, Psalm 46, John 8:31
-36
On this day we celebrate the heart of
STEWARDSHIP MATERIALS SENT OUT ON OCTOBER our faith: the gospel of Christ—the
20 - check your mail! good news—that makes us free! We
COMMITMENT SUNDAY IS NOVEMBER 3 - All Saints pray the Holy Spirit would continue to
Sunday! unite the church, and we pray that we
all will be one at the Lord’s table.
Blessing of Animals Little Tid Bits
It's customary that in remembrance of St. Fran- Did you know that Harriet Rivers owns
cis of Assisi's love for all creatures, animals a scooter and makes her way around
are led to churches for a special ceremony Samaritan Village? She moves so fast
called the “Blessing of the Animals.” On Sun- that she ran into a table in the dining
day, October 6th you may include the name of room. No harm done. Just a little em-
your animals in a special prayer. Loose offer- barrassment. Harriet sends her greets
ings will be sent to our local SPCA. to the congregation.

Prayers
Continued prayers for comfort and healing for
Buck Sappenfield, George Hanlon and Maude
and the family and friends of Betty Pinol, Glen
Page and Mabel Reitveld.

A 60-Day Journey through Justice


In a culture of gun violence
On September 3rd, a group of eight met to find
Ushers Needed
a safe space to explore this difficult topic. We Saron needs ushers! Not the kind like
began by listening to what brought each of us singer/songwriter, Raymond Usher,
together. Our conversation explored: the but faithful members handing you a
complexities of the causes of gun violence; bulletin each Sunday morning and guid-
ELCA writings and positions; the empathy we ing you to communion. Dancing and
seek for everyone involved; and reflections on singing in the aisles is not required. We
our government’s political responses to ever- only ask a commitment to be an usher
increasing violence. one month a year. The volunteer
schedule is updated each November for
We will reflect on the next section of readings the next calendar year. Ushering as-
(page 11-23) on October 1st at 3:00 pm and signments are automatically rolled over
ponder further on what will move us to ac- from one year to the next unless the
tion. If you would like to join in reading the church office is notified of necessary
changes. Please contact the church of-
material please see Pr. Sheri.
fice to volunteer to be an usher. Don’t
I'm heartened by this group and our discus- make Saron sing the blues in the pews
sion. without an usher! Deborah Grochau

Sheri
“IF WE FEED ONE HUNGRY PERSON, WE HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE”
We often forget that, as years pass, information that seems common knowledge in our church is
not common knowledge to newer members. Many people are not aware of what C.A.R.E. is, its
history in our community, the services they provide and how we assist.
C.A.R.E. is an acronym for Community Action Resources of Escalon; a neighborhood food bank
that serves seniors and those in need. More than fifty years ago, this outreach was started by a
woman named Irene McDonald. She and her group, “Senior Women of Escalon” saw a need and
took the initiative to help. Originally, the organization distributed food, clothing and household
goods. Today, C.A.R.E. focuses solely on food.
In more recent times, Patty Baxter served as Director of C.A.R.E. until she recently passed
away. Now, her daughter, Sherrie Vaden, carrying on her Mother’s work, is the Interim Direc-
tor. The Escalon Ministerial Association (EMA) serves as the administrative board. Each week,
15-20 volunteers work in various food distribution programs to help local residents. Two of
these dedicated volunteers are Saron members Ruth and Ron Cohagan. “If we feed one hungry
person, we have made a difference.” said Ruth.
C.A.R.E. receives donations from many resources. Volunteers pick up food from Second Harvest
Food Bank in Manteca, from local farmers and from community organizations such as Saron Lu-
theran Church. For many years, Saron has supported the efforts of C.A.R.E. You may have seen
a request in our church newsletter for specific food items. These items or any non-perishable
food item that you may have on hand, can be brought to church on Sunday and will be given to
the C.A.R.E. program. Please look for the C.A.R.E. basket as you enter church. Each donation is
appreciated and makes a difference in the lives of those in need in our community.
If you would like more information about the C.A.R.E. program, becoming a volunteer or donat-
ing perishable food items directly, please contact C.A.R.E. Director, Sherrie Vaden at (209) 417-
2048. Monetary donations are also appreciated. Another long time Saron volunteer, Delores
Grabow looks back on her 25 years of service to the C.A.R.E. program and shares “it was great
serving people that needed the help”. Thank you for your service Delores and all the volunteers
at C.A.R.E. for your service.

Please bring dry food packages such as crackers, cereal, hamburger helpers, etc.
Escalon Ministerial Association

The Escalon Ministerial Association (EMA) is an important organization that brings to-
gether the city’s faith communities to serve the needs of the larger community of Es-
calon. Saron is an active member of this organization through the Pastor’s participation,
with other faith leaders, in monthly planning meetings. And we all have volunteers from
Saron who participate in the CARE food distribution and we all participate through our
funding of it’s ministries.

This year the EMA is looking for a person/or persons to coordinate the Community
Thanksgiving Dinner, served every year at the Escalon Community Center on Thanks-
giving Day from 11:30-1:30. The Coordinator is a significant job and can easily be a
shared position. This volunteer position requires advanced planning and good organiza-
tion which begins in October with securing the Community Center for Thanksgiving Day.
There is no cooking involved as there is a chef and volunteers to see to the cooking of
the meal. If you are interested in giving back to your community by helping to make
this Thanksgiving Community Meal happen, please speak with Pastor Sheri. I have a
detailed job description and contact information for those who will help.

KEEP YOUR CALENDER CLEAR FOR SATURDAY, NOV. 9TH

After much uncertainty around Birger’s upcoming surgery, we finally settled on a date
for our celebration honoring him for his many years of beloved service. Watch your email
early October for your invitation. If you haven’t received yours by mid October, please
contact the church office.
FELLOWSHIP
Fun Bunch

YEEEEHA!!!! Mark Your Calendar!!!!


Howdy Pardners!
Y'all drag out out your boots and hats and
gussy on up 'cause we're havin' a hoedown!
Mark your calendars for Saturday, October
19th at 5:00 p.m. You don't want to miss this
shin dig!
Whether you're plan on bustin' out with a ol'
Hank William's tune, scootin' your boots to Pat-
sy Cline or just spectatin', this is a hootenanny
you don't wanna miss.
Join us in welcoming, all the way from Salida,
our Karaoke host, Cactus Jack. He'll spin the
best country tunes from the past and present.
From the chuckwagon, y'all will be treated to
some yummy vitals such as Git Along Lil' Hot
Doggies, Tumbleweed Tater Salad and Rootin'
Tootin', High Falootin' Root Beer Floats.
So bring your family and friends...and don’t
forgit the youngin's.
See ya on the dance floor!
Senior Activities
Mark your calendar for a the Senior
Event “Halloween Hoopla” at the Commu-
nity Center on October 23rd pm from
1:30-3:30 pm.
Thank You
Just to Let You Know
A special thank you to Shane Spears and
We are saddened to hear about the death
Kathy Pendleton for replacing many of the
of Glen Page. Cards may be sent to Lois at
lights to LED bulbs in our church. This was
3420 Shawnee Dr. #408, Modesto, CA
done in an effort to reduce our utility bill.
95350.

Help is Needed
As you peek at the next page, you will no-
tice many empty spaces under Those That
Serve. If you can offer help in the areas of
flowers for the altar, be a lector, or bring
some refreshments to share after the ser-
vice, it would be most appreciated. Please
sign up in the Social Hall or call the office. Kids Night Out
This month Kids Night Out will be October
11 at 5:30 to 8:00 pm. Don’t miss out on
some delicious pizza and lots of October
fun activities! Bring your kids and kids
bring your friends. See you there!
Those That Serve

Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 20 Oct. 27


Altar Guild K Linn R Cohagan F Hanlon D Grabow
Flowers
Greeters S Tengelsen A Shaddix T Hair K Pendleton
Musicians B Dahlin B Dahlin K Bomer K Bomer
Usher M Olson M Olson M Olson M Olson
Lector E Scholz
Refreshments
Assisting
S McGowan D Cook C Shipley T Hair
Minister
Communion K Linn R Cohagan F Hanlon D Grabow
Assistants M Olson D Strand T Hair N Sappenfield
Money N Sappenfield B Emery D Grabow N Sappenfield
Counters B Emery K Pendleton

October 13
Second Sunday School 9:00 am

October 1
60-Day Journey through Justice October 19
Harvest Hoedown 5:00 pm
October 6
Blessing of the Animals November 2
Kris Kringle Bazzaar
October 8
Worship & Music 10:00 am November 3
Property & Finance 11:30 am All Saints Sunday
Commitment Sunday
October 7 & 21
Confirmation Class 2:30 pm November 9
Honoring Birger 5:00 pm
October 10
Witness & Service Committee 9:00 am November 17
Church Council 6:00 pm Thankoffering

October 11 December 31
Kids Night Out 5:30-8:00 pm Bring in New Year’s at Saron

You might also like